On the second day of our trip, we went to the Window on China Theme Park or in Chinese known as 小人國 (I skipped the boring part of visiting one of the old streets) which is located in the area of northern Taoyuan area, right just next to the Taoyuan International Airport.

Window on China Theme Park is one of Taiwan’s amusement park and the main attraction is where they display miniature of historical buildings and famous international landmarks around the world.

Window on China Theme Park is more similar to the one located in Shenzen but these 133 miniature landmarks are all perfectly presented on a 1 to 25 scale to the original building whereas the one in Shenzen showcases in a human-size scale models.

One of Window on China mascot – Lucky

Xiao Ren Guo direct translate means “small people country”

Miniature of Taichung port and harbour

Using my Canon Ixus 130 miniature effect

Airport and airplane

The miniature world is divided into 3 main sections;

1. Mini Taiwan / Mini China – Displays the all well-chosen famous buildings from Taiwan and China where you can experience the Taiwanese and Chinese culture based on the style and feature from the past and the present.

One of Taiwan’s famous monument, Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall

There even display other miniature such as zoo. Can you spot the monkey hanging on the line?

And even kungfu panda was here too.

Loves this model of amusement park

2. Mini Europe / America – Display the beauty of European buildings and the amazement of American sights.

Can you identify any one of these landmarks?

3. Mini Asia – Features the vivid buildings and landscape of Japan, Korea, India and the Middle East.

I put this as my profile pic in facebook and my friend thought I went India. (==”)

My dearest family – mom and 2 lil bros

Did you spot coaster rail behind?

Besides miniature, there are many different exciting rides and adventures either on land or in water in this amusement park such as roller coaster, riverboat, bumper car and lots more. In addition, the popular cartoon and comic character, Doreamon Story House was also features here too which just being opened in two years ago. But I will share all of these in the next post or else my this post will be bulky with overload photos. So stay tune!

Ended my post with this. Wore this shirt which I bought from Wufenpu on the night before for NT$200

Small Note: I always would like to create segment like #Sharing Saturday or even #Snapshot Sunday to share some of my hidden photo and trips which I never share before this in my blog.

Had you ever heard of this place before? If you never heard of it, don’t worry because I’m gonna share it here.

This post is specially dedicated to all those Harry Potter fans out there (doesn’t matter whether you fans of the books or movies but for me, it’s the movie I am chasing about), finally it comes to the end after after eight movies that spanned more than a decade.

Glenfinnan Viaduct is a railway viaduct located on the West Highlands of Scotland. It came to prominence in the Harry Potter films, the first being “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” (the second series of Harry Potter), when the Jacobite Steam Train became transformed into the Hogwarts Express and was filmed crossing this viaduct.

Exactly at 3.15 pm, the Jacobite Steam Train will passby this viaduct.

Now waiting for it to transform into Hogwarts Express (Neh, I’m just kidding)

It also appears in two subsequent Harry Potter films, “The Prisoner of Azkaban” and “The Goblet of Fire“.

Loves the vivid colour of the sky and scenery.

One of the Harry Potter Film Location.

There are tons of Harry Potter’s movie screenshots but I just found two. Probably someday when I visit United Kingdom again, hopefully can spots all those Harry Potter film location.

So, have you watch the final epic of Harry Potter? I had watched it last Thursday midnight and I am gonna said this is most probably one of the final series filled with thriller and most importantly, it ends with good ending or else I’m gonna !@#$%^&* after all had been chasing for almost a decade.

Going Taiwan on Christmas Day is kinda fun but joining organised tour guide is kinda disaster. So, never ever join organised tour guide if you want to enjoy Taiwan trip to the fullest. However, because for this trip of mine which can consider part of family trip, so no choice but to join them.

Woke up as early as 3 am for the last minute packing and cooked some breakfast for my 2 lil brothers. There is only one direct flight from Kota Kinabalu to Taipei and this flight is only available at 6 am via Air Asia. The journey took us 3 hours and around 9 am, landed on Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport.

My second visit on Taoyuan International Airport.

A warm welcome by Taiwanese boy band, Fahrenheit

After done with all the passport checking and luggage claimed, we went and met our local tour guide which will bring us around Taiwan for this 7 days trip. Our first pitstop was having lunch. Oh gosh! Luckily enough going for lunch first before start to go other destinations because I was super hungry at that moment. I don’t fancy ordering foods inside the cabin because I think it is not worth it. Cost more than RM10 for just a small plate of meal which exactly won’t fulfilled my empty stomach but for my 2 lil brothers, they were eating just like a prince.

Lunch at Bar B.Q., which is typical steamboat and barbeque buffet style. Not much choices but I am not that picky when comes to food.

Here is the list of the places we went on the first day in Taiwan:

Jiufen

In Chinese means “nine portions“, is a mountain area of northeast cost of Taiwan. The roads to Jiufen are steep and narrow. I was wondering how the big bus that we are riding on could pass through these roads. Guess the driver must has highly professional driving skills.

The mountain view from Jiufen

Narrow alleys and streets for pedestrians only

But packed with various of local foods and snacks. This is where I found out the jumbo sausage is actually wild boar.

Taipei 101

Taiwan’s landmark skyscraper and served as a symbolic icon for Taiwan. Formerly ranked as the world’s tallest building from 2004 until 2010. Here is the ideal place for those who want to experience high end shopping.

Christmas Tree standing outside the mall

Dazzling Swarovski Christmas tree in Taipei 101 Mall

Adorable advertisement board on a tourist bus

Wufenpu Fashion Area

This area is best known for wholesale garment market and the largest clothing line market in Taiwan. At here, you will see lots of bags contains of clothes lying on the floor and their clothes are definitely cheap. So for ladies who like to shop, I will recommend this place but the drawback of this place there is no fitting room; which similar to the pasar malam (night market).

Shilin Night Market

End our first night by visiting the most popular and bustling night market in Taipei. This night market is divided into two different sections; the food vendors which opposite of the railway station while the other side across the road is selling fashionable and accessories items.

Done with my Japan trip, now I am gonna share my travel adventures and stories around the sweet-potato-shaped island (said by Nateniale’s travel). Hope you don’t mind if I share your blog here.

A bit confused and puzzled where should I start from because among 3 of the trips I went in year 2010, this is the one and only trip which I joined organised tour guide. Kind regret for joining that and I am highly recommend that if can, you better travel by your own.

In that case, I decided start by introduce Taiwan’s Night Market and their Foods. That is what Taiwan popular for as one tourist destination and become the topspot among sightseeing foreign travellers recently.

According to a website, there are more than three hundred nights market in Taiwan. These markets offer enormous variety of authentic Taiwanese food, tasty snacks and drinks. What I believe is that xiaochi foods is the highlighted foods among most of the night markets. Xiaochi, translates in Chinese means “small eats” or finger foods.

Let me introduce some of the infamous night markets that I went during my winter trip in Taiwan.

1. Shilin Night Market, Taipei

“Shilin Night Market is rated #1 for all Taipei things to do !” – Yahoo Travel

This is the first night market I went on the first day arrived Taiwan. Can’t deny that it being ranked as no. 1 as it is often considered to be the largest and most popular night market in the city of Taipei. Shilin Night Market encompasses two distinct sections; the food market stalls opposite the Jiantan Metro Station and the durable goods market surrounding the Yang Ming Cinema on Anping Street, Dadong Road and Wenlin Road.

These Taiwanese sausage is huge and long. Sometimes it is wild boar sausage.

Iced lime jelly or known as Aiyu ping in Chinese

So many things to see, so many foods to try but unfortunately, we were only being given less than 1 hour to walk around such a huge night market. I even miss out the famous massive fried chicken cutlet which cost approximately around RM5. The queue was so long and I had only 5 minutes left before get it to the bus.

2. Fengjia Night Market, Taichung

“Low prices, all included” is the main feature of this market where it sells all kinds of cuisines, clothes and accessories. Also known as the Wenhua Night Market, this market is located next to Feng Chia University in Taichung’s Situn District along Wen Hua Road and Fuhsing Road. It extends along Wen Hua Road as far as the Chijian Night Market, making this area claimed to be Taiwan’s largest night market cluster.

The super duper long ice-cream

The boots is so damn cheap. Regret for not buying them because out of my size.

3. Liouho Night Market, Kaohsiung

One of the great night markets in Kaohsiung, Southern Taiwan.

Prepare yourself for the collection of snack vendors photos which I took from this night market.(Caution: Make sure you are not review with your empty stomach)

I love this snack. This is basically the hot dog cover with bread.Every night when visit the night market, sure I won’t miss this one.

4. Ximending, Taipei

Ximending is the source of Taiwan’s fashion, subculture, and Japanese culture and has been knowned as “Harajuku of Taipei” or even “Shibuya of Taipei”. It is one of the most happening and bustling shopping district in the Wanhua District, Taipei.

In my opinion, it is better to shop other place before you shop here because some of the items are quite expensive. Nothing much to shop here because from the pic, you can see that on the day we arrived there, it rains heavily. I just bought myself a lovely and unique umbrella.

Besides the above four night markets, we also went to other 2 night markets which were not that so crowded such as Shinkuchan Night Market and Chung Hua Night Market.

Shinkuchan Night Market in Kaohsiung

Chung Hua Night Market on the Christmas eve.

However, due to recent foods and healthy issue, some of the night market’s drinks and shaved ice deserts tested positive for plasticisers. So beware of those foods where you visit Taiwan.

But for me, I just can’t get enough of their foods.On my left hand side is the sausage cover by bread and on the other side is fried chicken cutlet.

Instead of reading newspaper, I always start my morning by log in to this Travel with MSN Malaysia website (besides facebook and my blog). And I saw one of this latest article which caught my attention. So, I decided to share with you all here. Consider part of my job right, as a so-so travel blogger.

Select your travel destinations by your star signs.

Photo: MSN Malaysia

Whether or not indulging in horoscope is your cup of tea, it’s interesting to find out what your star signs have to say about your holiday destinations. We have carefully handpicked these horoscope locations in Malaysia to give you some travel insights into each Zodiac sign.

Aries (Mar 21 – Apr 19)

Photo: MSN Travel

Adventurous and eager, the Aries never holds back; their courageous and dynamic traits are what make them always ready for action!

>>WHERE: Lata Kinjang, Perak

Photo: Courtesy of Larra, Flickr.com

This majestic fall is one of the tallest in Malaysia! Only a fraction of the falls can be seen from the North-South Expressway while the entire cascade of waterfalls actually flows from 850m above. This trip will make a perfect one for the eager and dynamic Aries as getting to the falls itself requires a steep half an hour climb from the stalls where you can park your car at; the rushing waters and crisp air will be a wonderful award after the strenuous climb.

Taurus (Apr 20 – May 20)

Photo: MSN Malaysia

Material possessions and everything fine and beautiful never fail to attract the Taurus; they are noted for their strength and sensuality, they also appreciate fine linens and clothing.

>>WHERE: National Craft Complex, Kuala Lumpur

Photo: Courtesy of Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation

Perhaps the idea of spending the day creating batik at the Craft Village here will be enticing for the creative Taurus who enjoys making things with their hands. Traditional handicrafts such as sculptures, pottery, wood carvings and ceramics can also be attained at the Karyaneka Craft Boutique. The Craft Museum, on the other hand, highlights Malaysian textile heritage and displays traditional Malaysian handicraft.

Gemini (May 21 – Jun 20)

Photo: MSN Travel

A Gemini is curious and mentally active; fun to be around, a Gemini also make good light hearted social encounters. The other one out of two distinctive sides of a Gemini would be the contemplative, more serious and indecisive one.

>>WHERE: Mulu National Park, Sarawak

Photo: Courtesy of Estetha, Flickr.com

Opt for cave or forest activities – take on the world’s longest tree-based Mulu Canopy Skywalk to learn more about life in the forest canopy; alternatively, explore the extraordinary limestone and bat caves. The outgoing and communicative Gemini will also enjoy overnight group expeditions comprised of longboat rides and jungle trekking; versatility as part of a Gemini’s trait will shine through here. Expect spectacular scenery and an eye opening experience amidst 52,000 hectares of equatorial rainforest.

Cancer (June 21 – Jul 22)

Photo: MSN Malaysia

A Cancer is sensitive and sentimental as well as intuitive. Their love is protective and while this love can become smothering, it can also be nurturing.

>>WHERE: Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary, Sandakan

Photo: Stock.xchng

These highly intelligent Orang Utans are an endangered Malaysian wildlife species that can be found in Borneo – devoted and empathetic Cancerians may find the rehabilitation efforts at the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre engaging. Amidst 5529 hectares of rainforest here, there is a board walk that leads to a viewing gallery and feeding platform. The more explorative Cancerian can also apply for a permit from the Forestry Department to trek 5km through a mangrove forest.

Leo (Jul 23 – Aug 22)

Photo: MSN Malaysia

Leos are dramatic and outgoing; they take the spotlight and are of a warm spirit. Fiery and creative, Leos are leaders whose charms could be hard to resist.

>>WHERE: Sungai Klah Hot Springs, Perak

Photo: Courtesy of Homestay Hot Spring Sungai Klah

Rest assured that the self-assured Leo will be surprised at the number of activities available at this natural hot spring. Apart from being able to boil eggs in wire baskets at a designated part of the spring, board walks, water reflexology, traditional massages and private Jacuzzis are also available. The magnetic charm of a Leo will make this trip a memorable one – be it with friends, lover or family.

Virgo (Aug 23 – Sep 22)

Photo: MSN Malaysia

Virgos are dedicated creatures; delicate and gentle, they manifest a great sense of caregiving. Their competence and intense focus on current passions could be highly rewarding.

>>WHERE: Pulau Pemanggil, Johor

Photo: Courtesy of Kevin Poh, Flickr.com

Famed for its abundant marine life and clear sea waters, this remote island is also known for deep-sea fishing and diving. There is also a massive and sacred boulder known as the Batu Buau which lies in the middle of the island. The analytic and gentle Virgo will enjoy fishing here! It will be worth the travel just to be able to spend a few days basking under the glorious sun, quietly fishing in the midst of an unpolluted sea.

Libra (Sep 23 – Oct 22)

Photo: MSN Malaysia

The Libra seeks balance in every aspect of life. Sociable and peace loving, this sign enjoys being in the company of others. Libras have winning personalities and are effective strategists.

>>WHERE: Longhouse Tours, Sarawak

Photo: Courtesy of Tajai, Flickr.com

There are 27 different ethnic groups in the Sarawakian rainforest; some of the tribal groups being the Dayak, Iban and Bidayuh. Communal longhouse dwellers are welcoming and well known for their hospitality; the Libra will enjoy their welcoming traditional dances and ceremonial songs. A number of places for consideration – The Skrang River, the Lemanak River, Batang Ai and Annah Rais.

Scorpio (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

Photo: MSN Malaysia

Scorpios are passionate; they exude certain intensity but maintain a cool exterior. Beneath the exterior, however, lie deep and active emotions that a Scorpio may not want to express. Scorpios make great leaders and are resourceful.

>>WHERE: Colmar Tropicale Bukit Tinggi, Pahang

Photo: Stock.xchng

2,500 feet above sea level, Colmar Tropicale is a view of north-eastern 16th century French buildings. The passionate and penetrating Scorpio would love soaking in the ambience while being entertained by jugglers, bands and snake performances over an authentic French meal at Colmar Square – that which lies in the middle of the village.

Sagittarius (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Photo: MSN Malaysia

The Sagittarius has a natural tendency towards travel, adventure and philosophy; they hold a broad-minded approach to life and are always on the lookout for deeper meaning – a seeker of knowledge and wisdom.

>>WHERE: Gua Tempurung, Perak

Photo: Courtesy of Nazir Amin, Flickr.com

Gua Tempurung is a magnificent world of stalagmites and stalactites; there are many spectacular rock formations here, some given names in accordance to the shape it takes – First Lady, Zorro eyes, Dainty Foot Lady amongst the many. The traveller trait in each Saggitarius will know how to appreciate the beauty of one of the longest caves of Malaysia. Choose from a variety of cave tours or expeditions according to desired difficulty and length.

Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Photo: MSN Malaysia

Capricorns set high goals for themselves and hold to professionalism; they also maintain traditional values and attain self-satisfaction from personal accomplishments. These independent creatures are serious minded and practical.

>>WHERE: The Armed Forces Military Museum, Negeri Sembilan

Photo: Courtesy of Muzium Tentera Darat

Honoured with a Merit Award under the “Best Tourist Attraction” category by Tourism Malaysia, this museum is informative as well as interactive. Experience a showcase of tanks, vehicles, canons and artefacts dated from 1933. Capricorns will be able to provoke and harbour expanding thoughts through experiencing the Malayan Communist Party’s underground tunnel and the Pepper Ghost illustrations.

Aquarius (Jan 20 – Feb 18)

Photo: MSN Malaysia

This intellectual air sign is shy yet energetic; they are quiet and eccentric deep thinkers that hold interests in concepts and ideas.

>>WHERE: Pulau Dayang Bunting, Kedah

Photo: Courtesy of Tom Sawyer, Flickr.com

The direct translation of the island’s name is “Island of the Pregnant Maiden” and behind this name lies the legend of how a man named Mat Teja fell in love with a beautiful fairy princess by the name of Mambang Sari; the princess gave birth to a son whom died shortly after, Mambang Sari then blessed the lake by putting her child to rest there. The imaginative yet eccentric Aquarius will experience rejuvenation as they take time out amidst legend and nature.

Pisces (Feb 19 – Mar 20)

Photo: MSN Malaysia

A Pisces is spiritual and gentle; this fish sign creatures are affectionate and perhaps the most understanding of all signs. Besides being accepting and emotionally expressive, a Pisces also has a strong and vibrant presence.

>>WHERE: Mabul Island, Sabah

Photo: Stock.xchng

A Pisces would thoroughly love this beach getaway. Set aside off the south-eastern coast of Sabah, this little fishing village is now also a popular diving spot. Go prepared with water proof camera casings for underwater shots of the marine life; note also that it is possible to explore the entire island on foot!

I not sure whether it is accurate or not but I am certainly love with the answer for my horoscope. Mine is the last one, Pisces. Pisces is the icon of fish and guess that fish loves to swim. Hahaha…Hope you all enjoy reading this article.

Guess who read my blog previously would know that I had left Sabah recently to further my study. Yeap, currently I am back again to Kuala Lumpur to complete my professional papers which I had abandoned for 1 and half years. I not sure how long it takes but anywhere guess this is my new chapter of life for the second half year in 2011.

Initially I booked Air Asia promo airfare from KK to KL less than RM50 but I changed my ticket to the next day onwards and it costs me more than RM200. Well, I’m not flying with Air Asia but with Firefly. My first ever flight with Firefly.

However, first time experience ends up with bad impression. The queue was so long and I think it took more than 5 minutes per passenger to check in. More worst than Air Asia.

But ooo (there is always a but), one thing I can praise Firefly was they gave me to choose which seat I prefer. This is the one I like if compare to Air Asia. Sure I’ll choose window seat. I always love window seat. Firefly is almost alike Air Asia where if you want to reserve seat, you need to pay extra. Luckily I didn’t do so when online booking but I’ll never thought they gave me to choose during check-in counter.

Loves the view at the back.

Firefly signature colour – ORANGE

Once reached KLIA, I took KLIA Express to KL city. Oh my! My last ever on KLIA express was about 2 years ago.

After 2 and half hours flight with Firefly, half hour ride on KLIA express, half hour journey from KL central to the place I am heading to by Putra LRT, and 4 minutes of ride by taxi, finally I reach the place I am gonna to stay for the next half year. Holy gosh! Carrying more than 35 kg luggage all along the way really almost choke me to death.

TADAA!! Very spacious and plenty of spaces.

A table and small cupboard were provided. The second door on left is actually bathroom.

The bathroom.

The place I am staying currently was actually my friend’s house. But I can’t disclose where is the actual place I am staying for safety purpose. All the facilities is being provided including internet connection. That’s great so that I can update my blog more frequently. Not forgetting to mention that there’s even a swimming pool.

Guess I can swim when I was so freaking free.

Talking about my study, I just signed up for 3 courses today and it will be commencing on this Thursday. Hey wait! Today is Monday and I have 2 slack days of doing nothing. Looks like I’m gonna sing “The Lazy Songs” by Bruno Mars. Hahaha…

Anyway, I promise that I will be back with my travel tales and stories once everything is settle. Have a great day everyone! Now, what should I do next after done with this post? Sleep? Eating? Facebook+ing?

The No.1 travel and tourism fair in Malaysia is back again! And this time around it is happening at Suria Sabah starting from today until this Sunday. So what are you waiting for? Spend some of your this weekend to hunt for your perfect vacation getaway with special travel package and offer whether inbound tour or even outbound tour from the travel agencies who took part in this fair.

In order to kill the time as I am unemployed currently, so I went Suria Sabah today to search for attractive bargains for my upcoming trips. Yeap, that’s right. Travel blogger is in action!

This is the travel agency which I joined for Taiwan trip.

And even this which I joined for Beijing tour back in year 2006.

Not only travel agencies, there are even a few hotels and airline companies participate for this MATTA fair.

Such as Firefly Airline

and Swiss Garden International Hotel.

Performance by the dancers after the official launched by the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment.

Plenty of flyer, brochure and travel price list I took for my research.

Small Note: Goodbye to the first half year and say hello to the first half year. Holy gosh! Time pass so fast and I’m gonna leave soon!